19 easy chicken dinner miracles when you’re out of ideas

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If chicken is a staple in your kitchen, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of simple and flavorful chicken recipes that will reignite your creativity and save you from the dreaded dinner rut.

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken brings a lively citrus punch to your table, ready quickly to rescue your dinner dilemma. It’s a simple yet pleasing choice, ensuring a delicious meal for the entire household.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the richness of Chicken Tortilla Soup, a homemade classic that infuses your evening with its heartwarming flavors. It’s an effortless way to add a dash of festivity to your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Relish the ease of these Crock Pot Chicken Tacos, where honey and lime come together to craft a relaxed yet flavorful dining experience. They’re a stress-free solution for reviving your weeknight meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole pairs the sweetness of waffles with savory chicken, creating a dish that’s perfect for those evenings when time is short. Its simplicity makes it an irresistible option for a quick and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Cajun Chicken Orzo

A wooden spoon holds a serving of creamy vegetable pasta with spinach, red peppers, and yellow sauce from a pot.
Cajun Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cajun Chicken Orzo is your one-pan wonder, delivering a creamy texture and hearty flavors in a dish that’s easy to make and clean up. It’s the perfect pick for those nights when you crave something comforting yet straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Orzo

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken on a bed of rice.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken is the go-to for a swift and effortless dinner, featuring a spicy honey glaze that complements the chicken beautifully. Ready in under half an hour, it’s an ideal choice for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let these Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs simmer throughout the day to create a deeply flavorful meal that’s ready when you are. They’re the perfect answer to a fulfilling dinner with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich on a white plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a breeze to prepare, offering a nutritious and refreshing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a straightforward dish that’s sure to be a hit at any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Moroccan Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs served over a bed of seasoned couscous with chickpeas and garnished with fresh parsley, surrounded by similar dishes and a cloth napkin.
Moroccan Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken Thighs are a quick-to-prepare feast, brimming with warm spices and satisfying ingredients. When you need a hearty meal without the wait, this one-pot dish is a lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Crock Pot Chicken Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Embrace the simplicity of Crock Pot Chicken Ramen, a one-pot delight that provides a comforting bowl of noodles and broth. Set it in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Ramen

Chicken and Dumplings

Top view of Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings in a white bowl.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the classic comfort of Chicken and Dumplings with the convenience of your Instant Pot, ready to serve in just 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for those evenings when you need a warm and filling dish in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting escape from the day’s hustle, easily rivaling your favorite restaurant’s version. It’s a wonderful solution for a no-stress, satisfying dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken combines the sweetness of honey with the savory depth of garlic for a quick and flavorful meal. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for when you need something both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Glazed Chicken Thighs

Asian chicken with sesame seeds on a plate.
Glazed Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Glazed Chicken Thighs come out of the air fryer with a crispy exterior and a succulent interior, thanks to a sweet and spicy marinade. They’re a breeze to make, ensuring a delightful dinner is just minutes away.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs let you enjoy deeply marinated flavors with minimal effort. Just set them in the cooker and let the magic happen, resulting in a meal that’s both easy and packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Recreate the flavors of Olive Garden with this slow-cooked chicken pasta, a dish that adds a sense of indulgence to your weeknight meals. It’s a comforting and creamy choice for any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken brings home the beloved barbecue flavor in a fraction of the time, making it a practical yet flavorful option for dinner. This meal is a family favorite, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken Parm Casserole

A freshly baked tray of cheesy pasta casserole.
Chicken Parm Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Parm Casserole simplifies a beloved Italian dish into an easy-to-make dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal that feels like a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parm Casserole

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

Two crispy chicken sandwiches with drizzled sauce on a plate.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn to these Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes for a meal that’s effortlessly prepared and bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process melds the spicy buffalo sauce with the tender chicken, creating a dish that’s sure to be requested over and over.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Opt for a lighter fare with this Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken, a dish that’s quick to cook and doesn’t hold back on bold flavors. It’s a straightforward meal that will enliven your weeknight dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Stroganoff

A bowl of chicken stroganoff with bread and parsley.
Chicken Stroganoff. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Stroganoff offers an easy route to a creamy, comforting dinner, perfect for when you’re seeking a dish that’s both hearty and simple to prepare. This family-friendly meal is a surefire way to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Choose these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, ready in just 30 minutes. They’re an excellent choice for a no-wait, satisfying dinner on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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